MPS domestic violence strategy

Report: 17
Date: 15 November 2001
By: Commissioner

Summary

The MPS is launching its Domestic Violence Strategy in December 2001. The strategy outlines the nature and level of service that will be offered in these types of cases, together with the rationale behind this provision. It aims to highlight ways to increase the safety of victims, to enhance inter-agency working and to send a strong message to perpetrators and society in general that domestic violence is unacceptable

A. Recommendation

Members are asked to note the contents of this report.

B. Supporting information

1. The Domestic Violence Strategy has been developed in consultation with a range of organisations through the Domestic Violence Working Group. This group is a multi-agency forum of policy makers and practitioners in the field of domestic violence.

2. The group aims to-

• Promote a co-ordinated and consistent response to domestic violence across the MPS
• Develop strategies and tactics for the prevention of domestic violence
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the MPS response

3. The strategy is still in draft form and has been sent out for consultation with a final date for reply by 2 November 2001.

4. The strategy consists of-

• The definition of domestic violence that includes " any incident of threatening behaviour, violence and abuse (psychological, physical , sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or who have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender"
• Four key stages of positive action, risk assessment, domestic violence murder review and multi-agency approach
• The strategy includes a section on domestic violence and minority groups including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities
• The next stage is joined up thinking around the inter relationship of domestic violence and other areas of criminal investigation, including sexual offences, elder abuse and missing persons
• Training issues are identified
• Domestic violence involving police personnel
• The document finishes with domestic violence and risk assessment and intervention plans to prevent domestic violence.

5. Once the consultation phase is complete the MPS Domestic Violence strategy will be launched in December 2001. Copies are available from Detective Superintendent Colette Paul, MPS Diversity Directorate.

6. The MPS fully support and has co-operated with the Greater London Authority Domestic Violence Strategy due to be launched on 22 November 2001. The two strategies work in tandem, but the main difference lies in the fact that the MPS Strategy is inclusive of male domestic violence and same sex domestic violence, whilst the GLA Strategy predominantly focuses on women.

C. Financial implications

The financial implications of the Domestic Violence Strategy are not straightforward to assess. Increased trust and confidence of victims as a result of improved practice may in turn lead to increased reporting of incidents and possibly also increased numbers of prosecutions. This will have obvious resource implications.

At the same time, the earlier and more responsive intervention generated by such initiatives as positive action will necessarily lead to savings as they impact on levels of repeat victimisation.

Improved inter-agency working practice mean that the overall level of service offered to victims in each MPS Borough Operational Command Unit will also be enhanced. The benefits in terms of personal safety for victims also go beyond financial assessment.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

The author of this report is Colette Paul, MPS Diversity Directorate.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback